By Abubakar Yunusa
No fewer than 2,000 residents of Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, have benefitted from a five-day free medical outreach organised by the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation.
The programme, which featured medical check-ups and eye surgeries, drew beneficiaries from several communities across the state and neighbouring areas, offering relief to many who had long battled health challenges without access to proper care.
The intervention, powered by Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, is part of the foundation’s sustained humanitarian efforts targeted at the grassroots. Previous initiatives include financial support of N500,000 each to 30 women entrepreneurs, free medical funding for 200 sickle cell patients, and sponsorship of technical skills training for students.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the founder, Dr Esther Matthew Tonlagha, said the initiative was designed to bridge the healthcare gap for vulnerable Nigerians struggling with the high cost of treatment.
She said, “We are so happy that this programme, which aligns with the core mission of our foundation, has come as a blessing and hope restorer for the almost 2,000 beneficiaries that registered for it.
“Our focus remains on empowerment, access and sustainability, aimed at assisting the socially deprived in our communities. From my interaction with participants, I am convinced that the purpose has been achieved.”
Tonlagha also called for stronger collaboration between non-governmental organisations, government at all levels and development partners to improve healthcare delivery in rural communities.
“Our appeal is for governments and partners to complement initiatives like this through technical and resource support to strengthen primary healthcare across Nigeria,” she added.
Beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent described the outreach as life-changing.
A community leader, Chief Victoria Eguene, expressed gratitude to the foundation, noting that the intervention had restored hope to many families.
“We sincerely appreciate the foundation for bringing this kind gesture to our community. The treatments we received in the past five days have given us hope again,” she said.
Also speaking, an artisan, Mr Jayman Jemi, who has battled high blood pressure for over five years, said the programme had rekindled his hope of recovery.
“I have suffered for years without relief, but after the check-up and the support promised, I now believe my condition will improve. This foundation has truly come to help our people,” he said.
The EMT Foundation said it would continue to expand its interventions, anchored on its pillars of empowerment, access and sustainability, to uplift underserved communities across the country.
